The Walk Without Fear Trust strongly supports the Government’s newly announced sentencing reforms aimed at ensuring real consequences for serious crime and repeat offending.
The Trust, which advocates for safer communities, justice for victims, and proportionate, meaningful consequences for offenders, believes the reforms are a vital step toward deterring repeat offenders and restoring public confidence in the justice system.
Chairman Eugene Bareman says the measures will go a long way toward shifting the balance back in favour of victims and those impacted by violence.
“For too long, we’ve seen offenders getting break after break while victims and their families are left to pick up the pieces,” says Bareman. “These changes send a clear message that there are consequences for criminal behaviour, and that the safety of our communities matters.”
The Trust especially welcomes the introduction of new aggravating factors for those who target sole-charge workers and livestream their crimes, and the capping of sentence discounts that have often been misused in cases involving serious offending.
Walk Without Fear Trust remains committed to advocating for a justice system that is fair, firm, and focused on the needs of those harmed by violent crime.
About Walk Without Fear Trust
Walk Without Fear Trust was established in honour of professional fighter Fau Vake, who tragically lost his life in 2021 after an unprovoked attack on a night out in Auckland. The Trust exists to advocate for safer communities, justice for victims of violent crime, and meaningful accountability for offenders. Through public education, policy advocacy, and victim support, Walk Without Fear aims to ensure no one has to fear walking their own streets.
Website: www.walkwithoutfear.org/
Facebook: Walk Without Fear Trust
Instagram: @walkwithoutfeartrust
LinkedIn: Walk Without Fear Trust
